Holidays to Alvor
Golden Algarve beaches meet sparkling Atlantic waters and sizzling Portuguese sunshine on Alvor holidays. It’s chilled-out vibes and seaside bliss at its best!
Beach days with a difference
Sure, you can lounge under the pretty parasols at Praia de Alvor all day – this is the Algarve after all! – but if you want a break from the Blue Flag beach, there’s plenty more to do around this stretch of coast.
Looking for some gems to get you started? Follow the boardwalks at Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve to explore rugged dunes, or you can rent a boat from the waterfront to discover hard-to-reach beaches and craggy, peaceful coves.
Bottlenose baes
You’re sure to get a warm Algarve welcome in charming Alvor. But arguably its most charismatic residents reside beneath the waves. You guessed it, we’re talking dolphins!
Plenty of bottlenose beauties call the Algarve’s coast home, so you’re in with a great chance of getting up close to these magical creatures, especially if you book a tour.
Get in the swing of it
If you know your eagles from your albatrosses and your duffs from your flop shots, you’ll love an Alvor holiday.
Swing your way through 18 holes at Alto with the sun on your back, and play in the spike marks of the pros at Penina – one of the Algarve’s first championship courses, designed by golf legend Sir Henry Cotton, no less.
All aboard the Algarve!
When you fly into town, you can flop in the sun, hang out at the local bars or take a foray further afield. Because as well as being a beauty in its own right, Alvor is perfectly placed for exploring more of the Algarve’s many glittering gems.
Lively Lagos, with its uber-cool coast and crowd-pleasing bars, is around a 30-minute drive away. If you’re more into munching seafood by the water, head 15 minutes in the other direction to the city of Portimão, known for its old quarter, sweeping sands, and bustling marina.
Sneak Peek
Best for... An amazing break in Portugal almost all year round 🇵🇹
Go... To Praia dos Três Irmãos for Alvor at its beachiest best ⛱️
You have to... Say hello to the Atlantic dolphins! 👋 🐬
Alvor holiday deals
Jardim do Vau
4.5
Excellent
- 1 Jun 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Edinburgh
Prices from
Pestana Alvor Praia
4.4
Excellent
- 31 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Stansted
Prices from
Pestana Alvor Park Beach Aparthotel
4.7
Excellent
- 31 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Stansted
Prices from
Pestana Dom João II
4.5
Excellent
- 20 Jun 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Edinburgh
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Time difference
GMT +0
Cost of a beer
Around €2.25
3-course meal
€25-35
Flight time
2-3 hrs
Ancient Algarvian adventures
From the Moors to Manueline, Alvor is abundant in amazing architecture. Check out some of the best at Alvor Castle, which has stood firm since 1189.
If it’s all-out opulence you’re after, take a tour of the Igreja Matriz de Alvor – a traditional Catholic church with grandiose gates, intricate tiling and an awe-inspiring altar. Still need more stained glass? Go gawp at the windows of Igreja da Misericórdia de Alvor.
Live music and classic cocktails
Alvor serves up a buzzing post-sundown scene that’s plenty more chill than the neon strips and stag and hen stomping grounds of its attention-grabbing neighbours.
For some sophisticated sipping, sidle on over to Michael’s Bar for live music, classic cocktails and modern mixes. If you’re after a pint of the black stuff, say sláinte at The Parlour, Leinster House or the Black Stove for a craic-ing good night.
Play on the praias
Pick a place on the sand at Praia de Alvor to enjoy one of the easiest and most convenient beach days of your life. Pay for a lounger and parasol for guaranteed comfort and shade, while the bars and cafes will ensure you’re never without a cocktail or a yummy snack. The warm, clear waters are just right for a splash too.
For beauty without the beach beds, try the super popular Praia dos Três Irmãos. The shallows are great for paddling kids and there’s plenty of room to bronze with a good book or social media scroll into infinity. Head to its most western point for some sandy solitude.
When to go to Alvor
If sizzling weather is your number one priority, you’ll want to visit in the height of summer between June and September. Truth is though, with temperatures in the mid-teens and higher all year round, there’s never a bad time to soak up some vitamin D in the Algarve.
For cheap Alvor holidays, look to the off-season between November and April. Alternatively, October and May offer a good balance between a bargain break and beachy weather. Expect mid-20C temperatures and plenty of clear skies.
